Bhutan is the Buddhist kingdom lying in the lap of Himalayas. Bhutan is very famous for its Buddhist culture, peace-loving people and monasteries. Bhutan measures prosperity by gauging its citizens’ happiness levels, not the GDP.
Bhutan is the last bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, a spiritual practice that is known to be among the most extensive institutions of teaching in the Buddhist world. The sacred monasteries that rest precariously on large high cliffs, the trembling prayer flags that line the high ridges, the red-robed monks who shout via the day and night, give the kingdom a mood that originates from another time.
Bhutan Tour Packages
Pricing and Itinerary
Winter is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder; also, planning your trip to Bhutan in Winter provides you an opportunity to peep into the Bhutanese culture by witnessing various festivals hosted by the locals. Here is an extensive Bhutan Travel Guide to help you plan your trip in Winter.
Weather In Bhutan In Winter?
Suggested Read: 13 most Popular Sightseeing Places in Bhutan
To avoid the crowd and catch the Black-Necked Cranes, winter would be the time to go. To catch the Himalayan blue sky without paying the additional tariff, consider visiting Bhutan in Winter. The temperature will not be too cold yet as lowest temperature usually takes places near the end of January. In January or February, Paro and Thimphu may experience a one-day snow.
Bhutan Climate Guide
Best Places To Visit Bhutan in Winter?
1. Thimphu
Thimphu, one of the culturally must see places in Bhutan, is charming capital city nestled in the Himalayas with the beautiful sights of the Chuu River flowing through it. Interestingly, it is the only city in the world with no traffic lights. Thimphu has retained its culture and old world charm as modern development is closely monitored and new buildings can be built only in Bhutanese style and up to a certain height. Go for Bhutan the Last Shangrila Tour and explore the top landmarks of Bhutanese capital. Basically, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten and Motithang Takin Preserve are the top attractions of Thimphu for visitors.
2. Paro
Suggested Read: 15 Things you Must Know before travelling to Bhutan
Paro, the foremost must see place in Bhutan, is a gorgeous beautiful valley, surrounded by lush green rice fields. Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the ‘golden triangle’ of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. Likewise, craggy mountain hills and undisturbed serene beauty, the clean air and peaceful atmosphere make it a must visit place in Bhutan. In Paro, Rinpung Dzong mostly attracts the visitor. Rinpung Dzong is one of the finest examples of a Bhutanese monastery. The Dzong hosts the Paro Tsechu i.e festival of masks. Beyond this, National Museum of Paro holds the visitors in Paro. The museum exhibits rich stamp collections, slate carvings, Thangka paintings, prehistoric items, jewellery, traditional weapons and other articles reflecting Bhutanese culture.
3. Punakha
Punakha, the breathtaking destination in Bhutan, has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. This district, leveling from 1300m at the valley floor rises to almost 3000m around Dochhula pass, served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. People visit this place mostly to understand the Bhutanese history and to enjoy its natural beauty. Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang and Limbhukha are the things you love to see in this beautiful area.
4. Haa Valley
Haa Valley, a relatively new but must see destination in Bhutan, is popular for virgin beauty of nature. Along with scenic sights, you will also find some temples and fortresses around this valley. Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo-the famous White and Black temples, Shekhar Drak-an unique temple, Tagchu Goemba-a100 year old temple and Dobji Dzong- a five storeyed fortress on a hilltop are the things that engage you in the valley.
5. Bumthang Valley
Bumthang Valley, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, is full of most ancient and precious Buddhist sites. Located at an altitude of 2,600 meters, the religious hub of Bhutan houses some of the oldest Buddhist temples. Besides, Jakar is the main town in Bumthang Valley and its undulating terrain, which is filled with apple trees and numerous temples, is a tourist’s delight.